ShareLife Foundation is a private Canadian family foundation created in 1996 by Steve and Barbara Klemke to resource marginalized communities with sustainable tools and hope. As a registered charity, it channels philanthropic capital into faith-based projects that enhance education, relieve poverty, and advance Christianity, working primarily through partnerships with like‑minded organizations and local churches.
Role of ShareLife Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The foundation operates as a discretionary grantmaker and project funder rather than as a mass public program administrator. It identifies and carefully selects partners whose work aligns with its mission, then directs financial support to those projects. These collaborations focus on education, literacy, poverty relief, humanitarian care, and Christian ministry, combining practical assistance such as food distribution or healthcare with spiritual support and discipleship.
ShareLife’s portfolio spans several regions worldwide, including Israel, Lebanon, Uganda, and Thailand. Examples highlighted on the site include food distribution for vulnerable families, children’s homes providing shelter, healthcare, and schooling, and ministries engaged in evangelism, discipleship, and strengthening local churches. Through these partners, the foundation extends its impact far beyond Canada while maintaining a clear Christian identity.
Typical beneficiaries and project types
- Organizations serving marginalized children, such as homes and schools providing education, nutrition, and medical care.
- Initiatives addressing extreme poverty, including food packages, distribution centers, and support for the elderly, widows, and single mothers.
- Faith-based groups working to advance Christianity through evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, always coupled with tangible community support.
Rather than running open-call competitive programs with detailed public guidelines, ShareLife Foundation emphasizes partnership. Interested organizations that share its Christian values and focus on sustainable impact are invited to reach out through the contact form to explore collaboration opportunities. Each potential partnership is assessed individually for alignment and meaningful impact.
Governance, donations and sustainability
Led by its founding family and a dedicated team experienced in humanitarian and faith-based work, the foundation stewards donations by directing them to vetted projects. The website explains that gifts fund education programs, food distribution, staff support, and assistance to church growth. Donors can give one-time or monthly contributions online or by cheque, and Canadian tax receipts are available. Overall, ShareLife Foundation functions as a focused Christian grantmaker, using its resources and partnerships to bring long-term hope to marginalized communities around the world.